Passage of insurance bill is a firm step towards growth

Passage of insurance bill is a firm step towards growth

Hindustan Times, New Delhi
| Updated: Mar 15, 2015 14:05 IST








For a capital-scarce economy, allowing overseas investors to deploy funds in high-growth sectors is, perhaps, the first step in seeking to spin jobs and multiply income. Each piece of structural adjustment faces its own dynamic of resistance, pacing out its passage through departments, ministries and social and political stakeholders.

Political debates in Parliament, and outside, are a manifestation of this democratic phenomenon. It took the Narendra Modi-led NDA government nearly 10 months to pass its first major reform measure as Parliament approved the amendment in the insurance law to allow greater foreign investment of up to 49% from 26% in the sector.

The passage of the insurance Bill on Thursday marks the culmination of a more than six-year-old process of bringing in changes in a law after it was first introduced by the Congress-led UPA government in 2008.

In a democracy, reform is essentially a political process. Wider consultations are important, but not to the extent that it holds up critical reforms that can hurt a country’s image as an investment destination.

Last year, the government bit the bullet when it lifted state controls on diesel prices. It has followed it up with bidding of coal mines, which is set to result in a windfall for coal-rich states that could significantly bolster their ability to fund development schemes and create jobs.

A higher foreign investment in insurance is more about reversing the slowdown in the economy, and less about allowing foreign investors access to household savings. India is in dire need of resources to fund its infrastructure needs. Frugal households could well turn out to be the primary financiers of these mammoth projects.

India’s savings rate could reach 40

ail Ginger has been used in medicine, cooking and manufacturing for centuries. It’s a very versatile plant that can be used in various forms: powdered, dried, fresh, and as oil or juice. Ginger is a wonderful source of vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, B-vitamins, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, silicon, iron, sodium, calcium, zinc, and beta-carotene. No wonder that ginger boasts so many incredible health benefits. 1. Ginger relieves gastrointestinal disorders Ginger is believed to be one of the most efficient cures for stomach issues. It tends to accumulate in gastrointestinal tract and ease abdominal heaviness. Ginger is also a good cure for abdominal distention and flatulence due to its ability to egest gas from the intestine. Upset stomach, colic, diarrhea can be also relieved and avoided by adding ginger to your diet. Ginger is also famous for its appetizing properties. Not only will it stir up a poor appetite, it will also promote better assimilation and absorption of nutrients in your blood. 2. Cures sickness Ginger is a real boon for you, if you are prone to motion sickness, especially sea sickness. Ginger is absolutely safe and more effective way to cure vomiting than usual commercial drugs. A little bit of ginger powder can relieve and remove all symptoms of sickness like vomiting, dizziness, cold sweating and nausea. Ginger is also a blessing for expectant mothers on early stages of pregnancy. Eating ginger reduces the risks of birth defects, adverse or side effects. 3. Reduces inflammation and pain Ginger is widely known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show that ginger’s active agents are as effective as those of popular analgesic. Ginger is a must-have if you suffer from severe menstrual cramps. It also helps to relieve migraine headaches, muscle pain, back and joint pain. Drinking a tea with a small slice of ginger root is an easy way to alleviate headache and have a sound sleep. When I want to cope with sore muscles after a good training, I add a couple of drops of ginger oil to the water and soak in the bath for 20 minutes. 4. Prevents cancer Ginger root is fortified with powerful antioxidants that help prevent cancer. A study shows that ginger can slow the growth of colorectal cancer cells and can help reduce your risk of developing colon cancer. Ginger can also help to prevent other types of cancer, such as breast, lung, skin, pancreatic and prostate cancers. Add a little bit of ginger to your morning smoothie or tea regularly and reap all its cancer prevention and fighting properties. Read also – 10 Delicious Ingredients to Add to Your Morning Smoothie 5. Boosts immune system Daily consumption of ginger can guard you against getting cold and flu during a winter season. This plant is rich in zinc, chromium and magnesium, which stimulate blood circulation and reduce chill, excessive perspiration and fever. Lemon goes well with ginger and it’s another immunity boosting agent. Drinking a lemon ginger tea on a daily basis will help you to stay healthy and cheerful during any season of the year. 6. It gives zest to dishes When I discovered a magnificent flavor of ginger it became an irreplaceable ingredient in my kitchen. I love its sweetish taste and the poignancy and flavor it gives to any dish or drink. Ginger is utterly versatile spice; it can be added to desserts, main meals, starters and beverages. Apart from traditional Asian cuisine, ginger is commonly used as a usual ingredient in baking or roasting. Sometimes I also add ginger to poultry, meat and fish to vary its taste. 7. Helps to lose weight You can easily reduce your food consumption and lose some pounds by adding ginger to your diet. Ginger promotes satiety, which means you need fewer calories to feel full. Ginger is also believed to be a natural powerful agent that suppresses hunger and appetite. I recognize ginger as an essential ingredient for weight loss because it’s low in calories and it’s thermoge

 

Peanuts May Reduce Risk of Heart Disease, Stroke and Early Death

Researchers at the Vanderbilt University and the Shanghai Cancer Institute examined the link between nut intake and mortality among different ethnic groups and lower-income households. They found that peanut consumption was associated with fewer deaths, especially from cardiovascular disease.

Peanuts are rich in nutrients and inexpensive, so they make for a low-cost way to improve heart health.

This study is the first to focus on low-income households and different ethnic groups such as blacks, whites and Asians to learn the effect that nut consumption has on mortality. Previous studies focus mainly on higher-income, white populations. The researchers suggest that people of all races could potentially benefit from eating peanuts.

However, peanuts contain many nutrients and phytochemicals that are similar to nuts. For individuals who can't afford tree nuts, peanuts may serve as a substitute," Shu said.

The researchers studied three large groups that included more than 70,000 black and white men and women residing in the U.S. and over 130,000 men and women living in Shanghai.

The study findings suggest the people across all three groups who consumed peanuts had a healthier lifespan and less incidences of cardiovascular disease.

But the researchers cautioned that the study was based on observational data, and not clinical trials. Currently, it is not confirmed whether peanuts are particularly responsible for a lower risk of death.

"We cannot conclude that peanuts per se were responsible for the reduced mortality observed even though we have very carefully adjusted for possible confounders. Randomised clinical trials are needed to establish a causal connection," Shu said.

The American Heart Association recommends consuming four 43-gram servings of unsalted, oil-free nuts every week. But remember that nuts rich in nutrients are also high in calories. If you're watching your weight, control your intake of peanuts.

The study was published in the US journal JAMA Internal Medicine.

 

Swine Flu- Stay away and be enlightened

Swine Flu

Swine flu has other names and medical terms to describe it, such as swine influenza, pig influenza, hog flu, H1N1 flu and many others. Swine flu, as the name suggests, affects pigs and humans. Read all about the symptoms, risks and prevention of swine flu                                                                        Detection                                                                                                                                                                               Dr. Behram Pardiwala, Consultant Internal Medicine, Wockhardt Hospital, Central Mumbai says, "If the patient's condition does not improve in 48 hours, taking a H1N1 test becomes mandatory. A throat swab has to be tested for H1 N1."

"Some of the common symptoms are fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, diarrhea and vomiting," Dr Mugdha Tapadiya, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis, Delhi explains.

Swine flu generally spreads from droplets that fall due to sneezing and coughing. A runny nose, irritation in the throat, abdominal ache and body ache are all symptoms that subside on their own within two to three days. But if the patient looks too serious and has diabetes, heart disease or is pregnant, then it is advised to get a checkup done immediately

Temperature troubles

Dr. Pardiwala, speaking on the swine flu epidemic says, "Extreme weather conditions make the spread of the virus conducive. In fact, a cold and humid climate only increases the virus. And the kind of weather that we've been seeing in the last few days can result in more cases of influenza."Cold, damp climatic conditions along with rain can increase the chances of the virus spreading.

Safety precautions

Dr Tapadiya says, "Yearly flu vaccinations above six months of age is a very good way to prevent flu, including swine flu." But if you have not taken the flu shot, then maintain hygiene especially as the weather is playing havoc.

"In the next five to six days, if the temperature improves (becomes bright and sunny), we should expect cases of influenza to come down soon," says Dr. Pardiwala. The immediate precaution that you must take is to isolate yourself, avoid public contact and wear a high density mask. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently. Flu viruses can survive for two hours or longer on surfaces, such as doorknobs and countertops. So be sure to be virus-free

Dr. Pardiwala also adds, "Don't go out in crowded places and avoid going to work also. Stay home and rest until you feel better. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough." "If you do have swine flu (H1N1), you can give it to others starting about 24 hours before you develop symptoms and ending about seven days later," shares Dr. Tapadiya. So to keep yourself and your family swine flu-free follow these guidelines and stay healthy!

The number of swine flu deaths in India has already hit 1,075, with close to 20,000 people infected nationwide. Experts suggest that the sudden rains in the country may cause the virus to get overactive. In order to avert the epidemic, people have started to depend on more natural and Ayurvedic measures than allopathic medicines. We take a look at some home remedies for swine flu.

 Home Remedy 1: Giloi Branch

It is suggested that one boil giloi branches in water and drink the water to prevent swine flu. Giloi is nothing but a plant that grows on the neem tree. Tinospora cordifolia, or Guduchi as it is locally called, is considered to be a divine herb that helps boost immunity and prevent lethal illnesses like swine flu.

Home Remedy 2: Camphor

A message trending on socil media suggests mixing camphor or kapoor powder with cardamom and sniffing the powder every few hours. WebMD lists the health benefits that camphor has to offer, saying ‘People use camphor topically to relieve pain and reduce itching. It has also been used to treat fungal infections of the toenail, warts, cold sores, hemorrhoids, and osteoarthritis. Some people use camphor topically to treat respiratory tract diseases and to treat heart disease symptoms. Camphor is also used topically as an eardrop, and for treating minor burns.'Another way to use camphor is to burn a little bit of it at home to kill the air borne H1N1 Influenza-A virus that causes swine flu.

Home Remedy 3: Amla                                                                                                                                                      Amla is as a good source of Vitamin C. It is an Ayurvedic super food because of its antioxidant properties. It has beneficial effects on almost all the organs and systems of the body. It is a strong immunomodulator and protects against many diseases if taken regularly. One way to include amla in your diet is to consume it raw, with a pinch of salt to taste.

Home Remedy 4: Kada                                                                                                                                                                                     Kada is basically a concoction made of tulsi, turmeric powder and other ayurvedic herb that helps ward off illnesses. How it is connected to swine flu is still not confirmed, but it is recommended that you drink it every morning to prevent the disease.

While none of the above home remedies have been tested and proved, experts suggest that maintaining basic hygiene and taking preventive measures will help Indians forestall the danger, so the choice is yours. But do stay away from misleading pharmaceutical ads and products that claim to prevent swine flu. If there was any truth to them, the health ministry would have adopted them long back. Also refrain from buying questionable herbal medicines from babas or herbal healers who are out to earn a quick buck